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Chicago’s "official" patriotism was raised to par
yesterday when the city council by a vote of 60 to 8 adopted the Kerner
resolution — aimed at copperheads, pacifists, and their kind — to serve in lieu
of a proclamation from the mayor never issued. The resolution put the council on
record as asking the people of Chicago to refrain from discussing the war.

Ald. Kennedy, Socialist, attempted to sidetrack it by
submitting a substitute to read that the people should exercise discretion in
discussing the war. His resolution was voted down by 58 to 6. Kennedy said he
though free speech would be jeopardized, but Ald. Kerner declared the resolution
was directed only at the species that willfully criticizes the entrance of our
country in the war and its purposes in conducting the conflict. Kennedy cited
Lord Northcliffe’s disregard of the British censorship.

"Loyal Man Won’t Debate."

An "address" was attached to the formal resolution,
saying, after reference to the state of war:

This condition, so recognized and proclaimed, ipso facto silences
all discussion and criticism of the declaration of war and calls upon all
the citizens of the United States to espouse the cause of our common country
by word and deed.

The true, loyal citizen will not, in time of war, debate the
righteousness of his country’s cause, and the disloyal, if there be such,
shall not be heard. Free expression of disloyal sentiment is "giving aid and
comfort to the enemy in time of war" and is fraught with evil.

Pep in McCormick Talk.

Without mentioning names, but with apparent intent, Ald.
A. A. McCormick brought the council to close attention with the most peppery
talk of the session.

"This city is in disgrace today," he said, "because from
high quarters comes a chill blast ever time a patriotic move is started. Chicago
is patriotic, though, and will demonstrate it with its money and its blood.

"Lord Northcliffe never challenged his country’s
righteousness in going to war. If we have embalmed beef scandals we won’t have
to keep silent about them; congress and the press will see to that. This
resolution is fair.

"I say, ‘Stop your damnable pacifists and their schemes;
stop those who oppose the enlistment of men and money in this country.’ We’re in
this war and we must see it through to an honorable end. Don’t stab you country
in the back when your men are going to the front to fight for it."

Socialist Claque Busy.

Members applauded Mr. McCormick. Previous to this, though,
the council’s ire was aroused by the gallery. When Kennedy said, "We’ll look
like a lot of little two by fours if we vote for this," and "If you had any red
blood in you you wouldn’t stand for this resolution," there were prolonged
catcalls and whistles from a certain coterie in the gallery who are always on
hand to cheer the Socialists.

"What is this, a political meeting ?" demanded Ald. Bowler
above the din. "Mr. President, I wish you would enforce the rules."

"Yes," added Ald. Walkowiak, "I call on you, Mr.
President, to restrain the galleries. If the spectators continue their
boisterousness you should put them out."

Kaindl and Byrne were members of the schools subcommittee
which held a secret session last Friday. Michaelson who declared the resolution
had no place in the council, voted for it at first, then asked leave to change
his vote. Several aldermen were against allowing him this privilege. The mayor,
though, said he might.

"Go on, Patrick Henry," Ald. Coughlin addressed the mayor
when he made the ruling.

Invite Russian Mission.

A resolution signed by Ald. Rodriguez, Ald. Kimball, and
Ald. Kerner, instructing the city clerk to extend an invitation to visit Chicago
to the Russian mission when it arrives in Washington, was passed unanimously.
Alfred L. Baker, and Miss Jane Addams are named chairman and vice chairman in
the resolution.

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